Many people experience stomach noises after eating. While this can be embarrassing at times, it is entirely natural and usually not a sign of a medical condition.
Gut noises, or borborygmi, are the sound of muscle contractions and gas formation in the digestive system as food passes through it. Some foods or drinks may cause more sounds than others.
This article explains the causes of noisy digestion, treatments, and remedies that may help reduce this noise, as well as when to consult a doctor.
The medical term for stomach rumbling is borborygmi. However, the intestines make these sounds, not the stomach.
Borborygmi occur due to digestion. The digestive process involves muscle contractions, gas formation, and the movement of food and liquids through up to
People may hear rumbling or gurgling as food exits the stomach and enters the small intestine. This is because the small intestine uses peristalsis, or muscle contractions, to move the food along.
As the food leaves the small intestine, it passes into the large intestine, also known as the colon. Gurgling noises may continue as the bowel absorbs water and nutrients and pushes the food along.
The bowel also produces gas bubbles, which can create a rumbling sound as they move through the digestive tract.
Borborygmi is a natural effect of the complex digestive process. People may hear the following sounds:
- high pitched squeaks
- low pitched gurgling or growling noises
- sounds of churning or sloshing liquids
All of these variations can be natural and are not a cause for concern if a person feels fine and does not have other symptoms, such as abdominal pain.
People may also experience an increase in stomach noises if they are hungry.
Intestinal sounds are usually a sign of natural, healthy digestion. As such, a person cannot avoid them altogether, and it is not medically necessary to stop them.
However, if a person is bothered by the sound of their intestines, the following steps may help quieten the digestive process.
Changing eating habits
Certain eating habits
- eat more slowly
- avoid talking while eating or drinking
- use a straw when drinking
- eat smaller, more frequent meals
Natural remedies
Some people may use herbs and other natural remedies to relieve gas. Examples of these remedies include:
People can add these ingredients to meals. Alternatively, they can try steeping the herbs in hot water to make a tea.
People should talk with their doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Some supplements can cause side effects or may interact with certain medications.
Avoiding certain foods
According to the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD), very noisy intestines can sometimes indicate a food intolerance or a nutrient absorption issue.
For instance, people with lactose intolerance or celiac disease may have excess hydrogen and fluids in the gut. This can increase intestinal contractions and stomach noises.
As a result, some people with loud intestinal noises may need to change their diet to avoid trigger foods.
Some foods that may increase intestinal gas and associated borborygmi in some people
- chewing gum
- cruciferous vegetables, such as:
- legumes, including beans and lentils
- dairy products
- whole grains
However, it is important to note that people should not limit their diet if they do not need to. Doing this unnecessarily may lead to complications, such as nutritional deficiencies.
Stomach noises are usually not a cause for concern. However, people may benefit from speaking with a doctor if they frequently experience stomach noises along with any of the following symptoms:
These symptoms could indicate a digestive health issue that requires treatment.
Very noisy or silent intestines
In rare cases, very loud intestinal sounds, or no sounds at all, could indicate a blockage in the gut.
Loud sounds can be due to the intestines contracting aggressively to try and force solids and liquids past the blockage. Silence, along with severe pain, can indicate that the bowel can no longer move.
Other potential symptoms include:
- severe cramps
- nausea and vomiting
- inability to pass gas
- constipation
If someone experiences these symptoms, they should contact a doctor immediately or seek emergency medical care.
An intestinal blockage or rupture is more likely to occur in people who have had several abdominal surgeries or an inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
It can also happen if someone swallows a non-food item. Intestinal growths, known as colon polyps, can also grow and cause a blockage. Colon polyps are
Bowel sounds, or borborygmi, are a natural part of digestion for most people. They are not usually a sign of a digestive health problem.
If someone finds the sounds embarrassing, they can try making changes to how they eat, such as by eating more slowly. Some find that ginger or peppermint tea helps with digestion, too.
However, loud bowel sounds with other symptoms, such as constipation or diarrhea, warrant a consultation with a doctor.
If a person has severe abdominal pain, they must seek medical attention right away.